Frequently Asked Questions
About Face Spa and Salon knows that everyone has questions. We have provided as many answers to common questions about our services in the list below. If you have a question that is not listed here, please feel free to contact us.
- What is permanent makeup?
- Is permanent makeup similar to tattooing?
- Is permanent makeup a safe procedure?
- Is there any discomfort associated with the procedure?
- How long does the procedure take to complete?
- What kind of healing time is involved and is any care required after the procedure?
- Is the procedure guaranteed?
- How long does permanent make-up last?
- Is the procedure covered by insurance for restorative procedures?
- On average, how much does a procedure cost?
- Can it be used on Men and Women?
- Can it be used on all skin types and colors?
- Does it hurt?
- Do you do Tattoo Removal or can you treat over tattoos?
- Is laser hair removal permanent and do you guarantee results?
- What if I tan?
- How Many Treatments do I need?
- Does insurance cover this?
- How much time between treatments?
- Do I need to let my hair grow out and can I shave it?
- What if I am taking medications?
- What if I am pregnant?
- What is the Candela Light Sheer ET laser and why is it a safe treatment?
- What conditions are treated with the Light Sheer ET?
- What does the treatment include?
- What precautions should be taken before and after treatment?
- How many treatments will I need?
- Is this procedure covered by insurance?
What is permanent makeup?
It is the micro-implantation of coloring pigments into the skin for aesthetic purposes to enhance, contour and outline facial features. It is also a valuable procedure for camouflaging scars, burns, skin pigmentation variances caused by vitiligo, correcting some facial irregularities or to further enhance facial rejuvenation and post-operative treatments.
Is permanent makeup similar to tattooing?
It has some of the same qualities, yet it is very different. Only specialists in micro-pigmentation can perform this procedure on the face; tattoo artists cannot. About Face uses only the techniques, tools and pigments that are specially designed for micro-pigmentation procedures making it safe, sterile and painless. About Face Uses the nais digital system made in Germany and certified medical device with accupuntuPermanent makeup clinicians also use effective topical anesthetics that are not allowed for use by tattoo artists. There needles system also use instruments that are much more delicate in design that provides natural-looking results.
Is permanent makeup a safe procedure?
At About Face the procedures are only performed under sterile conditions. Only disposable needles are used. There are no long-term side effects; short-term effects may include some redness, swelling and tenderness.
There are no known allergic reactions to pigments. Allergy tests are always performed on our clients before treatment by injecting a tiny bit of pigment into the hairline.
Is there any discomfort associated with the procedure?
Topical gel-like anesthetics are applied to the area being worked upon which significantly block pain. Most patients report little or no discomfort.
How long does the procedure take to complete?
The average time required for a procedure is between 1 to 2 hours.
What kind of healing time is involved and is any care required after the procedure?
Some swelling and redness can be expected for 24 hours following the procedure. A cold compress helps to reduce any swelling around the eye area. The treated area must be kept clean. No makeup should be applied for several days. Some skin peeling and lightening of the applied color is normal. If any additional adjustments are desired, these will be made during your follow-up appointment. Regular routines usually can be resumed immediately after the procedure. However, swimming or vigorous exercise should be avoided for a few days. Normal healing times is between 4 to 7 days.
Is the procedure guaranteed?
Yes, we want our clients to be totally satisfied with the results. As a result, we offer free follow-up treatments for 12 months following the procedure.
How long does permanent make-up last?
Gradual fading can be expected for all micro-pigmentation procedures. This varies among individuals and is dependent on the specific shade used in the procedure. Most colors last 3 to 5 years, although some may not fade for as long as 10 years. Periodic touch-ups are recommended to maintain the desired look. You can also choose to change colors of your permanent makeup. For instance, a nude lipcolor can be modified to a peachy pink; or a brown eyeliner to a black or navy hue.
Is the procedure covered by insurance for restorative procedures?
Depending on your health plan, some procedures are reimbursable. i.e. if a scar is the result of an accident or cancer treatment.
Can it be used on all skin types and colors?
Yes, our laser the “GentleYAG” is designed for all skin types and all skin colors.
Does it hurt?
Some patients may feel a slight discomfort with the laser pulse. Most say it feels like a rubber band snap against the skin. Our laser have a DCD “Dynamic Cooling Device” that cools the skin before every shot.
Do you do Tattoo Removal or can you treat over tattoos?
We DO NOT do tattoo removal! We usually do not treat over tattoos unless the patient is aware and ok with the fact that the tattoo may fade and even scar. In all cases when the patient request for us to treat over the tattoo we reduce the energy to such a low level that we do not even anticipate hair reduction within 5-6 treatments.
Is laser hair removal permanent and do you guarantee results?
In most cases permanent hair removal is achieved however, the FDA does not allow us to guarantee permanent hair removal due to the fact that if the patient was to take hormone or other medications unusual hair growth may occur.
What if I tan?
Again, we can treat ALL Skin Types and ALL Skin Colors. We recommend that the patient refrains from direct / intense sun exposure 2 weeks prior to the treatment.
How Many Treatments do I need?
Permanent hair reduction / removal is usually achieved within 5-6 treatments. If there is additional hair growth after the 6th treat any additional treatments will be half off.
Does insurance cover this?
Unfortunately not, this procedure is considered cosmetic and cannot be covered by insurance.
Do I need to let my hair grow out and can I shave it?
Shave it! Our system work best if there is less hair above the skin. If there is hair above the skin the energy is wasted on that part of the hair and usually will not travel all the way down the hair shaft to destroy the follicle. However, we do need a hair shaft below the skin for the process to work. NO PLUCKING, WAXING OR DEPILATORY CREAMS!
What if I am taking medications?
The only medications that may effect the process would be any that recommend that you avoid and sun exposure. Please check any and all medications for this warning. Our laser is concentrated light and can have the same effects as the sun.
What if I am pregnant?
Generally we can treat pregnant women, however, we WILL NOT treat the stomach area and parts of the bikini and panty line areas.
What is the Candela Light Sheer ET laser and why is it a safe treatment?
Lasers have been used for many years for a variety of medical cosmetic procedures including treatment of facial and leg veins, age spots and rejuvenating the skin on the face. The Light Sheer ET System, a revolutionary long-pulse high energy alexandrite laser emits a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin to the hair follicle where it is absorbed. The laser energy is transformed into heat, which destroys the hair follicle leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. The skin is further protected during treatment by a Dynamic Cooling DeviceTM where cryogen is sprayed onto the skin cooling the upper layers and providing patients with increased comfort.
What conditions are treated with the Light Sheer ET?
Traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, plucking, waxing and depilatory creams provide only temporary relief. Until now, the only recognized way to remove hair permanently has been by electrolysis - which can be tedious, time-consuming and uncomfortable. The Light Sheer ET System safely removes unwanted body hair without damaging the delicate pores and structures of the skin. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in under ten minutes; legs, backs and larger areas can take longer.
What does the treatment include?
Depending on the amount of hair treated, the procedure varies from patient to patient. Generally, the treatment will include: Wearing safety eyewear to protect the practitioner and patient's eyes from the laser light during the procedure. A small handpiece Will be used that touches the skin to deliver the laser light. A light spray of coolant onto the skin will be felt just before each laser pulse. A test area will be done prior to the entire treatment. Your full treatment may be done on the same day or up to two weeks later, depending on the skin reaction. Most patients experience little discomfort at the treatment site because of the dynamic cooling device. The degree of discomfort varies with each person, depending on his/her pain threshold. Topical anesthesia may also be requested based on individual preferences or tolerances. Be sure to discuss this with your practitioner in advance of the laser treatment. The procedure can take as little as 10 minutes or up to an hour, depending on the area treatment. The treated area may become pink or red within 30 minutes of treatment; this may last from a few hours to several days and is relieved with the application of ice or cooling gels.
What precautions should be taken before and after treatment?
Avoid the sun 4-6 weeks before and after treatment or until your practitioner allows it. You must avoid electrolysis, plucking or waxing hair for 6 weeks prior to treatment. If you have had a history of per ioral herpes, prophylactic antiviral therapy may be prescribed. If you have a dark skin type, a bleaching cream may be started 4-6 weeks before treatment to optimize results. You should discuss your desired results and the improvements you expect to achieve with your practitioner. Together you can decide if your expectations will be met and if this laser treatment is the best option.
How many treatments will I need?
Hair grows in cycles. The number of treatments required depends upon your skin color and coarseness of the hair. Everyone will require at least 2-3 treatments as the process is only effective on hair during the early growing cycle. Repeat sessions will be necessary to treat these follicles when they re-enter the early growth phase.